Im proud to announce that CicLAvia will be making its first ever stop in the San Fernando Valley on Sunday, March 22, 2015. The event, officially called CicLAvia - The Valley, will allow families and people of all ages to travel for one day between North Hollywood and Studio City on car-free streets, by foot, pedal and non-motorized wheel power.It will utilize 5.5 miles of public streets along Lankershim Blvd. between the North Hollywood Metro Red Line stop at Chandler Blvd. and the Universal Studio Red Line stop, and along Ventura Blvd. between Campo de Cahuenga and Coldwater Canyon. The route will highlight some of the gems of the East Valley including the North Hollywood Arts District, Universal City, the historic Campo de Cahuenga, the Los Angeles River, the Studio City Farmers Market, the famed Sportsmens Lodge and dozens of local businesses. There will be hubs along the route with booths featuring community organizations, food and entertainment. Over the past few months, I have worked closely with CicLAvia to bring in community partners, tackle logistical challenges and secure broad neighborhood support across Council District 2. We have received a lot of valuable input, most of it incredibly positive, and all of it helpful.
When people hear about CicLAvia, the most common response I get, Great! Its about time. Project has touched so many parts of the city over the past few years, becoming an event that people throughout LA County look forward to. We can put the lie to the misconceptions that the Valley is disconnected from the rest of the city. This gives us the opportunity to display how connected, mobile and integrated into the lifeblood of LA we really are. People will be able to get to CicLAvia by rail, bus, bicycle, car and on foot. It will also be a boon for our local businesses, especially the ones who embrace and participate in the event.
According to a 2013 UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs study, businesses along CicLAvia routes experience a 10 percent increase in sales on the day of the event. CicLAvia the Valley is going to be a fun, family-friendly day that will make you see your community in a different light. Ill be there with my family and I hope you will too. If we make it the success we know it can be, I think well be welcoming CicLAvia to our Valley for many years to come.
If you have any questions, input or concerned about CicLAvia the Valley, come to a community meeting on Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m., at the North Hollywood Regional Library: 5211 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601. To RSVP call 213-355-8500 or email [email protected]